Kettle Moraine Land Trust

Toward a Savanna Flora
2020-08-19 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Online
Live via videoconference, 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, August 19, 2020
When Europeans first arrived in southeastern Wisconsin, they found a landscape unlike any they had seen previously. Neither prairie nor forest, today we call it the Midwest Oak Savanna, an ecosystem that remains something of a mystery unfolding. Our savannas were, essentially, lost to disturbance before the science of ecology had even been invented. What plants truly belong to the oak savannas? In the absence of widely agreed-upon indicator species, we’ll take a few tentative steps toward identifying a flora of the so-called fine-textured-soil savannas of northeastern Illinois and southeastern Wisconsin.
We are not charging a fee to participate, but will gratefully accept any donations. Offer what you feel it to be worth, in accordance with what you can afford. Advance registration is required and will be limited to the number of participants we can accommodate online. We are presenting via video conference so that we can see one another’s smiling faces (and pandemic haircuts!).
Please e-mail sue@kmlandtrust.org for detailed information on how to register.
As we plan more online educational programs for the weeks to come, we’d love to hear from you with ideas for topics or guest speakers.
As always, thank you for your support of Kettle Moraine Land Trust. We’re still your partner with nature, working to protect and care for the lands and waters we cherish. And all of us here wish you good health and well being!

Tree Identification
2020-07-22 14:00 - 16:00 | Price Park Conservancy, N6418 Hodunk Rd, Elkhorn, 53121, United States
Update: Date Moved to Wednesday, July 22!
Tree Identification at Price Park Conservancy
Wednesday, July 22 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Did you know that Price Park is home to four species of oaks, four species of maples, and two species of hickories? Do you know which of our native tree species are more likely to grow in a savanna, in a forest, or in a floodplain? How many of the trees and shrubs that you encounter in our natural areas do you suppose might actually be invasive? Examine these questions while you explore the wooded hillsides of Price Park with KMLT’s Greg Rajsky. Register by e-mail: sue@kmlandtrust.org
There is no fee, but due to COVID-19 restrictions we are limiting attendance to the first ten people to register. All participants will be required to wear masks.

Webinar: Hackmatack, Here at Home
2020-07-20 18:30 - 20:00 | WI
Continuing our series of online educational offerings, we are pleased to announce the presentation of Hackmatack, Here at Home, via video conference Monday evening, July 20, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge truly is near to home, occupying portions of McHenry County, Illinois and Walworth County, Wisconsin. How and when was the refuge established? What is the current state of its development? Are portions of it open to visitors? Join us to find out about the so-called urban refuge that serves the human populations of Madison, Milwaukee, Chicago, and Rockford, while protecting important wildlife habit—right here at home.
KMLT’s Executive Director Greg Rajsky is also the volunteer vice chair of the Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge. KMLT’s prior executive director, Maggie Zoellner, also serves on the Friends’ board. Register for this online presentation to hear the inside story of Hackmatack.
We are not charging a fee to participate, but will gratefully accept any donations. Offer what you feel it to be worth, in accordance with what you can afford. Advance registration is required and will be limited to the number of participants we can accommodate online. We are presenting via video conference so that we can see one another’s smiling faces (and pandemic haircuts!).
Please e-mail sue@kmlandtrust.org for detailed information on how to register.
As we plan more online educational programs for the weeks to come, we’d love to hear from you with ideas for topics or guest speakers.
As always, thank you for your support of Kettle Moraine Land Trust. We’re still your partner with nature, working to protect and care for the lands and waters we cherish. And all of us here wish you good health and well being!

Furthering Diversity: Second Virtual Tour
2020-06-30 18:30 - 20:00 | WI
Tuesday, June 30, 2020 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Registration Required; capacity is limited.
For too long, native plants have been largely ignored by gardeners and by commercial growers, alike. Adapted to our soils, our climate, and the stresses associated with our local environments, the plants that evolved here can add beauty, interest, and function to the local built landscape.
This presentation will highlight the value of native plants, whether in nature, in the home garden, or in landscaped environments surrounding schools, churches, or businesses. In addition, we will explore some of the shortcomings of so-called nativars, hybrids based in part on native stock.
Presented by KMLT’s Executive Director, Greg Rajsky, who has been gardening with native plants for more than 25 years.
Please e-mail sue@kmlandtrust.org for detailed information on how to register.

Virtual Vernal Wildflower Walk
2020-05-28 18:30 - 20:00 | Online
Just announced – KMLT is hosting a virtual Wildflower Walk on Thursday, May 28 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Executive Director Greg Rajsky has prepared a few dozen slides featuring photographs of more than 50 native species indigenous to the region, including dozens of wildflowers plus woody plants and even a few sedges. We’ll see specimens from our preserves and from other sites we manage, along with a few places elsewhere in the region. In addition to location, the photographs bear dates for those who like to know just when they might be able to find certain species in bloom. Greg will share information about habitat or other interesting bits of lore concerning the species we highlight.
We are not charging a fee to participate, but will gratefully accept any donations. Offer what you feel it to be worth, in accordance with what you can afford. Advance registration is required and will be limited to the number of participants we can accommodate online. We are setting it up as a video conference so that we can see one another’s smiling faces (and pandemic haircuts!). You can register HERE.
So pour a glass of wine and join us for this educational and entertaining program!
We are planning more online educational programs for the weeks to come. Are there topics you would like to see offered? Let us know and we will try to accommodate!

Petersen Island Woods Preserve Workday
2020-05-23 09:00 - 12:00 | Petersen Island Woods Preserve, East end of Oak Park Road, Elkhorn, WI, 53121, United States
*** In light of the Safer at Home order, all of KMLT’s May events have been cancelled. Please check back with us to find the rescheduled dates. We appreciate your support in these uncertain times – thank you!***
Join us from 9-noon for this stewardship workday at Petersen Island Woods Preserve where you’ll help care for Petersen Island Woods Preserve… activities could be cutting and treating invasive species, accumulating burn piles, or grooming a trail. You’ll use your skills or learn new ones, and learn about the plants and animals depending on this habitat.
All skill levels are appreciated for this day of camaraderie and stewardship. Dress warmly!
If you can, RSVP to info@kmlandtrust.org or call 262-949-7211.

Natureland Park Spring Workday
2020-05-15 09:00 - 12:00 | Natureland Park, W8338 Territorial Road, Whitewater, WI, 53190, United States
*** In light of the Safer at Home order, all of KMLT’s May events have been cancelled. Please check back with us to find the rescheduled dates. We appreciate your support in these uncertain times – thank you!***
Kettle Moraine Land Trust partners with Walworth County on park management plans and workdays. The spring workday will consist of planting native plants near the shoreline, general cleanup and trail grooming.
The workday runs from 9:00 a.m. to noon, followed by a complementary lunch. All skill levels are welcome.
If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Colleen Lesniak, 262-741-4223 or info@kmlandtrust.org so we can have enough lunch, water and supplies for everyone.

Mother's Day Bird Walk
2020-05-10 08:30 - 12:00 | Location to be Announced
*** In light of the Safer at Home order, this event has been cancelled. Please check back with us to find the rescheduled dates. We appreciate your support in these uncertain times – thank you!***
Save the date for the annual Mother’s Day Bird Walk, led by birding experts. The location will be announced when we find the best place to see birds!
Watch this website for updates and plan to RSVP to info@kmlandtrust.org or call 262-949-7211.

Beulah Bog Stewardship Workday
2020-04-25 09:00 - 12:00 | Beulah Bog State Natural Area, Stringers Bridge Rd, East Troy, WI, 53120
*** In light of the Safer at Home order, this event has been cancelled. Please check back with us to find the rescheduled dates. We appreciate your support in these uncertain times – thank you!***
Join us from 9-noon for this Beulah Bog stewardship workday where you’ll help care for the land… activities could be cutting and treating invasive species, accumulating burn piles, or grooming a trail. You’ll use your skills or learn new ones, and learn about the plants and animals depending on this habitat.
All skill levels are appreciated for this day of camaraderie and stewardship.
Watch this website for updates and if you can, RSVP to info@kmlandtrust.org or call 262-949-7211.

Price Park Spring Workday
2020-03-28 09:00 - 12:00 | Price Park Conservancy, N6418 Hodunk Rd, Elkhorn, 53121, United States
In the interest of public health and safety, this event has been cancelled.

Talking About Nature: Crane Conservation
2020-02-29 16:00 - 18:00 | Lake Geneva Museum, 255 Mill Street, Lake Geneva, WI, 53147, United States
Kettle Moraine Land Trust (KMLT) will be offering a series of conservation-themed public presentations this year, “Talking About Nature.” The first lecture in the series is scheduled for Saturday, February 29, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Geneva Lake Museum, 255 Mill Street, Lake Geneva. The featured speaker will be Dr. Rich Beilfuss, President and CEO of the International Crane Foundation, headquartered in Baraboo.
To purchase tickets, click HERE or go to Eventbrite and search for Talking About Nature.
“We are delighted that Dr. Beilfuss will be here to launch our series, Talking About Nature,” stated KMLT Outreach Committee Chair Peg Sorenson. “Dr. Beilfuss is an engaging speaker, thoroughly knowledgeable, and passionate about the subject matter.” Sorenson noted that the timing of the lecture is ideal, coming just days before Walworth County residents can expect to see great flocks of migrating Sandhill Cranes returning to Wisconsin to nest.
Future 2020 dates for Talking About Nature are tentatively scheduled for May 30, August 29, and November 28. Locations may vary and the lineup of specific speakers and their respective topics have yet to be announced. “Keep an eye on our website,” noted Sorenson. (www.kmlandtrust.org)
Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased on Eventbrite until February 27, or $15 per person at the door, and include refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres during a meet-and-greet session before the talk. The event is sponsored in part by Midwest Prairies, LLC.
The Kettle Moraine Land Trust, originally established in 2000 as the Lauderdale Lakes Conservancy, preserves the natural heritage of Walworth County and its environs through collaborative efforts in land conservancy, resource management, and environmental stewardship. The Trust owns four nature preserves, holds conservation easements on a number of additional properties, and assists Walworth County Parks and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources with the management of publicly held natural areas.
Again, to purchase tickets, click HERE or go to Eventbrite and search for Talking About Nature.

Beulah Bluff Preserve Preserve Winter Workday
2020-02-22 09:00 - 12:00 | Beulah Bluff Preserve, N9026 Bakavi Way, East Troy, WI, 53120, United States
Join us from 9-noon for this stewardship workday at Beulah Bluff Preserve where you’ll help care for the preserve… activities could be cutting and treating invasive species, accumulating burn piles, or grooming a trail. You’ll use your skills or learn new ones, and learn about the plants and animals depending on this habitat.
All skill levels are appreciated for this day of camaraderie and stewardship. Dress warmly!
If you can, RSVP to info@kmlandtrust.org or call 262-949-7211.

Petersen Island Woods Preserve Winter Workday
2020-01-25 09:00 - 12:00 | Petersen Island Woods Preserve, East end of Oak Park Road, Elkhorn, WI, 53121, United States
The first 2020 workday! Join us from 9-noon for this stewardship workday at Petersen Island Woods Preserve where you’ll help care for Petersen Island Woods Preserve… activities could be cutting and treating invasive species, accumulating burn piles, or grooming a trail. You’ll use your skills or learn new ones, and learn about the plants and animals depending on this habitat.
All skill levels are appreciated for this day of camaraderie and stewardship. Dress warmly!
If you can, RSVP to info@kmlandtrust.org or call 262-949-7211.

Beulah Bog Winter Workday
2019-12-28 09:00 - 12:00 | Beulah Bog State Natural Area, Stringers Bridge Rd between County Hwy J and St Peters Rd, East Troy, WI, 53120
Put on your cold-weather clothes for a morning of invasive brush clearing and treating at KMLT’s Beulah Bog State Natural Area.
All skill levels are appreciated for this day of camaraderie and stewardship – and there may be a hot chocolate treat!
If you can, RSVP to info@kmlandtrust.org or call 262-949-7211.

Winter Divine Word Seminary Stewardship Workday
2019-12-14 13:00 - 16:00 | Divine Word Seminary, N8855 Seminary Rd, East Troy, WI, 53120
Join us at Divine Word Seminary on Lake Beulah for an afternoon of wintry stewardship activities. We’ll be in the sheltered woods, clearing and treating invasive species.
All skill levels are welcome as we meet for a beautiful fall day of camaraderie and stewardship.
RSVP to info@kmlandtrust.org or call 262-949-7211 if you can come!

Giving Tuesday is December 3rd
2019-12-03 | WI
Giving Tuesday is next week! This is the first time KMLT has participated! Here are ways you can give :
· Click the Donate Now button on this email.

Sign up for Amazon Smile, where Amazon contributes a portion of every purchase to KMLT: Here’s how to do it.
Sign up for a Volunteer Service Day on our website.

· Find a gift on KMLT’s Amazon Wishlist – click here to see the wishlist.
We’ll have more information on Facebook so stay tuned!

Beulah Bog SNA Stewardship Day
2019-11-23 09:00 - 12:00 | Beulah Bog State Natural Area, Stringers Bridge Rd, East Troy, WI, 53120
Join us at Beulah Bog State Natural Area for a morning of exploration and stewardship as we cut and treat invasive species. Beulah Bog has been “adopted” by Kettle Moraine Land Trust and taking care of the land is an important service we provide.
All skill levels are welcome and encouraged to visit this unique area right here in Walworth County.
If you can, RSVP to info@kmlandtrust.org or call 262-949-7211.

Autumn Ecology Hike
2019-11-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Natureland Park, W8338 Territorial Road, Whitewater, WI, 53190, United States
The Walworth County Parks Department and Kettle Moraine Land Trust present Autumn Ecology Hike at Natureland Park.
How do local organisms prepare for the coming cold season? What’s behind the fall color display? Join our naturalist for a hike and learn the answers, and enjoy the beauty of the park!
Please note:

Children under age 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Please dress appropriately for weather and hiking/trail conditions.
Meet in the park shelter.
Due to the popularity of this FREE event, please RSVP by email at info@kmlandtrust.org. Include the number of attendees in your party. Registrations are due by October 31, 2019.

Price Park Fall Workday - Oaktoberfest!
2019-10-26 09:00 - 12:00 | Price Park Conservancy, N6418 Hodunk Rd, Elkhorn, 53121, United States
Kettle Moraine Land Trust partners with Walworth County on park management plans and workdays for park maintenance. The fall workday will be brush clearing (invasive species removal) and treating as well as planting oak seedlings.
The workday will be from 9:00 a.m. to noon followed by a complementary lunch. All skill levels are welcome!
Please RSVP if you can to info@kmlandtrust.org so we know how many supplies and lunches to provide.

Hiking Under the Hunter's Moon
2019-10-13 18:00 - 2019-10-14 19:30 | Price Park Conservancy, N6418 Hodunk Rd, Elkhorn, 53121, United States
The Kettle Moraine Land Trust and Walworth County Parks Department are pleased to announce our upcoming hike: Hiking Under the Hunter’s Moon.
As the sun sets and the moon rises, open your senses to the sights and sounds of nature under cover of darkness. The hike will be guided by a seasoned naturalist. Use of flashlights is discouraged while hiking on the trail.
The hike will be led by Naturalist Greg Rajsky of the Kettle Moraine Land Trust. Kettle Moraine Land Trust’s educational programming is supported in part through a grant from the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation.
Due to the popularity of this FREE event, space is limited. Please RSVP by October 10, 2019. Email info@kmlandtrust.org with the names of all members of your party (maximum of 4). Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. (Meet in the park shelter.)
Please note there are two dates for this event – please choose one:
October 13, 2019
October 14, 2019
Time for both: 6:00pm – 7:30pm

Divine Word Seminary Stewardship Workday
2019-10-10 09:00 - 12:00 | Divine Word Seminary, N8855 Seminary Rd, East Troy, WI, 53120
Join us at Divine Word Seminary on Lake Beulah for a morning of stewardship activities. Divine Word has extensive woods where we’ll be clearing and treating invasive species.
Note that the day is a Thursday.
All skill levels are welcome as we meet for a beautiful fall day of camaraderie and stewardship.
RSVP to info@kmlandtrust.org or call 262-949-7211 if you can come!

Oaktoberfest - A Craft Beer Hike with KMLT
2019-09-28 15:00 - 18:00 | Petersen Island Woods Preserve, East end of Oak Park Road, Elkhorn, WI, 53121, United States
Date and Time: September 28, 2019 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Where: At KMLT’s Petersen Island Woods Preserve
Join your friends for a stroll among our most iconic native trees, discovering the beauty of the preserve while enjoying local craft beer at refreshment stations along the trail – water, wine, and snacks will be available, as well.
After your hike, visit Lauderdale Landing for a complementary cheeseburger from their outdoor grill.
Celebrate Oaktoberfest at a special place – register on Eventbrite. All proceeds benefit the conservation efforts of Kettle Moraine Land Trust. For more information, contact info@kmlandtrust or 262-949-7211.
Tickets $25 in advance (on or before September 23); $35 on site
Park at Lauderdale Landing, W5625 Westshore Drive, Elkhorn 53121
Free shuttle from Lauderdale Landing to the event (or walk: it’s less than half a mile)
Hikes begin from the trailhead at the eastern end of Oak Park Road.
Sponsored by East Troy Brewery, Lauderdale Landing, and Kettle Moraine Land Trust.

Petersen Island Woods Stewardship Day
2019-09-28 09:00 - 12:00 | Petersen Island Woods Preserve, East end of Oak Park Road, Elkhorn, WI, 53121, United States
Join us at Petersen Island Woods Preserve for a fall stewardship day where you’ll meet others interested in beautifying the preserve. We’ll be collecting ripe seed from native plants, if the timing is right, or cutting invasive brush.
The workday runs from 9:00 a..m. to noon and all skill levels are welcome.
Please RSVP to info@kmlandtrust.org so we can have enough supplies on hand.

Beulah Bog Stewardship Day
2019-07-27 09:00 - 12:00 | Beulah Bog State Natural Area, Stringers Bridge Rd, East Troy, WI, 53120
Join us for a stewardship day at Beulah Bog State Natural Area. We will be working on vegetation management – bring your gloves and dig in! Activities may change due to weather or site conditions, but come and help and enjoy the fellowship!
The workday runs from 9:00 a..m. to noon and all skill levels are welcome.
Please RSVP to info@kmlandtrust.org so we can have enough supplies on hand.

Party with the Perennials!
2019-06-08 17:30 - 20:00 | 7047 Hospital Road, Burlington, WI, 7047 Hospital Road, Burlington, WI, 53105, United States
Gather with good friends for good food and live music in a festive atmosphere at our Party with the Perennials June 8. Tickets are $40 each – purchase HERE
The display gardens at Northwind Perennial Farm set the scene for our springtime soiree, with landscaped examples sure to inspire. Proprietor Roy Diblik will lead a tour of the gardens and talk about his “know-maintenance” approach to gardening with perennial plants. Our guests will receive a 10% discount on all purchases made between 5:30 and 7:00 p.m.
Renowned blues musician Glenn Davis will perform live, bringing his signature style to the KMLT stage. Glen has been recording for more than 30 years, all the while impressing live audiences with his refreshing stage presence.
And it’s OK to show up hungry: Gourmet pizzas will be served by Tampers Oak Fire Oven and a variety of beverages will be available to slake your thirst.
A fabulous selection of auction and raffle items will be offered for bid or chance. Among them:
• Artwork
◦ Wildlife print by Owen Gromme
◦ Yerkes Observatory photo on canvas
• Fine Food & Beverage
◦ Private wine-tasting for eight at Staller Estate Winery
◦ Customized three-course dinner for four at Black Sheep Restaurant
◦ Tequila Basket
• Gift Certificates
◦ Music by the Lake
◦ Wilson Meats
◦ Backyard Bikes
…and much more.
Saturday, June 8, 2019 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Northwind Perennial Farm, 7047 Hospital Road, Burlington, Wisconsin 53105.

Beulah Bluff Stewardship Day
2019-05-18 09:00 - 12:00 | Beulah Bluff Preserve, N9026 Bakavi Way, East Troy, WI, 53120, United States
Join us for a stewardship day at Beulah Bluff Preserve. Spring wildflowers will be in bloom – along with garlic mustard, which we will be pulling so more native plants can thrive. Activities may change due to weather or site conditions, but come and help and enjoy the fellowship!
The workday runs from 9:00 a..m. to noon and all skill levels are welcome.
Please RSVP to info@kmlandtrust.org so we can have enough supplies on hand.

Natureland Park Spring Workday
2019-05-17 09:00 - 12:00 | Natureland Park, W8338 Territorial Road, Whitewater, WI, 53190, United States
Kettle Moraine Land Trust partners with Walworth County on park management plans and workdays. The spring workday will consist of pulling garlic mustard and working on trail markers.
The workday runs from 9:00 a.m. to noon, followed by a complementary lunch. All skill levels are welcome.
If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Colleen Lesniak, 262-741-4223 or info@kmlandtrust.org so we can have enough lunch, water and supplies for everyone.

Nature Walk at Beulah Bog
2019-05-15 18:00 - 19:30 | Beulah Bog State Natural Area, Stringers Bridge Rd, East Troy, WI, 53120
Join KMLT’s Executive Director Greg Rajsky on a walk through Beulah Bog State Natural Area on Wednesday May 15th at 6:00 p.m. This walk is scheduled to finish by sundown and will take you from the oak savannah down through the bog itself, nestled in the kettle features. Several unusual and rare plant species may be found there… it will be a stimulating discovery walk!
For more information, call Greg at 262-949-7211 or email him at greg@kmlandtrust.org .

Mothers Day Bird Walk at Beulah Bog
2019-05-12 08:30 - 11:00 | Beulah Bog State Natural Area, Stringers Bridge Rd between County Hwy J and St Peters Rd, East Troy, WI, 53120
Join us for KMLT’s annual Mother’s Day Bird Walk, led by Jim Marrari, experienced birder; Derek Sallmann, Friends of the Mukwonago River; Greg Rajsky, Executive Director, Kettle Moraine Land Trust.
New this year – we will have a short introduction to birding: equipment, guides and photos, and lists of birds we might expect to see. Perfect for beginning birders as well as those who are more experienced and want an early morning nature walk.
Beulah Bog State Natural Area features upland woodlands and prairies with a trail down to an undisturbed bog featuring distinctive vegetation more typically found further north. The variety of habitats may harbor several species of birds for us to view and identify.
Bring boots for the walk in the bog (the boardwalk may be slightly underwater) and binoculars and camera if you have them.
If you can, make reservations by emailing info@kmlandtrust.org or calling KMLT at 262-949-7211. Parking space is limited so carpool if you can.
Beulah Bog State Natural Area is located north of East Troy. The Bog parking lot is located 0.8 mile south of County Highway J on Stringers Bridge Road.

Wildflower Walk at Petersen Island Woods Preserve
2019-05-01 18:00 - 19:00 | Petersen Island Woods Preserve, East end of Oak Park Road, Elkhorn, WI, 53121, United States
Join new Executive Director Greg Rajsky for a wildflower walk at Petersen Island Woods Preserve, Elkhorn. The walk will start at 6:00 and finish by 7:00 p.m.
This short walk through the hilly, wooded preserve will find spring wildflowers. All are sure to learn some new wildflowers and enjoy the outdoors.
The event is free of charge and no registration is necessary. Parking is limited – there are two spaces near the brick Trailside Terrace.
We are working on finding more parking but in the meantime, put this on your calendar and plan to attend! Updates will be provided soon!
